------------------UNDERNEATH THE SURFACE------------------ (Sex Trade Documentary)

8/10/09 (Tues) Another early start to teach the film class. I’d sure like to sleep in, even just one day. I sure am pooped. Even though I was exhausted I didn’t sleep very much at all last night. I think I need to come back to the hotel and sleep after the class. I am excited to see the girls again, and to continue teaching them about film. 

The class went really well and I think that the girls had fun messing around with the camera. They seem eager to start filming tomorrow. Sola (the councilor & my translator) have a daunting task of reading through all the girls homework and translating it to English and then figuring out what the stories have in common and where and what we can film. I asked the girls to not only figure out what it was that they wanted to say, but more importantly, why? What is the point that they want to get across and who do they want to see it? Even some of the girls who didn’t work on it in class yesterday actually turned something in. That was encouraging. There were still those who didn’t have anything, but Sola worked with one of them to get something written out. I asked this of them, more for themselves then for me. I don’t want them to be nervous or embarrassed when it comes time for them to be in front of the camera with nothing to say.

This is random, but it’s really cute when the girls try to say thank you. It’s not thank you, but sancks you. :)

Sola and I worked on translating the homework for a long time and where only about half way when I just had to eat. Zaya was sweet enough to serve me what the girls had for lunch. I felt bad, but they kept serving me. They are all so sweet. The food was really good to. I had crab among other things. I just hope I don’t get sick from things being washed in the water. I think that everything was cooked, so I’m sure it will be fine.  

Zaya and I talked about her taking me to get my photo done like the girls do. It’s kind of like glamour shots for Asia. I think that would be sooo much fun. :) I really enjoy spending time with Zaya. 

Oh yeah, one of the girls painted my nails too! :) I’ve spent far more time at TLC then I expected, but I’ve had a great time with everyone. I really like it here a lot, I wish I lived in Cambodia and could work with the girls all the time. 

Sola and I kept working and working…She told me that one of the girls had written more in her homework then she ever had told Sola in their counseling sessions. I thought that was extremely encouraging that what I was doing was helping the girls express what they had been through. I think this is going to be a good experience for them. I just hope we’re not taking on something bigger then we have time for.

So I left at 8 AM this morning and JUST walked in my room at 5:15pm and I’ve been working almost the entire time, except when I ate lunch. Needless to say I am pooped. I think that if Athena feels up to it James, Athena, and I will meet to go over the game plan for filming with the girls, then dinner with the gang.  

So the meeting before dinner went really well, and we were all on the same page for the most part in regards to the film, and that’s always good. The ginger shrimp that I had for dinner was excellent.